In My Skin

Photographs and text by

Michelle Sank

Nicola recovering anorexic and Rachel breast augmentation - Twins 20 yrs old From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Abbey 19 yrs - Lip fillers and breast augmentation From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Shaye 21 yrs - Post breast removal surgery From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Jade 20 yrs -Tattooed eyebrows and hair extensions From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Ben 17 yrs - Shaves his legs and straightens his hair From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Amy 21 yrs - Breast augmentation at 18 From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Hannah 17 yrs Botox From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Mike 22 yrs - Body enhancing supplements and body waxing From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Martha 24 yrs - Lip Fillers From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Paige 16 yrs - Awaiting breast augmentation From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Ellie 21 yrs Tattoos From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Jackie 18 yrs - Full transition surgery at 16 From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

John 19 yrs - Transgender female to male - Now gender neutral From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Cambell 16 yrs - Transgender male to female From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Jaye 25 yrs - Prior full transition to female surgery From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Matt 18 yrs - Transgender female to male From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Saraya 20 yrs - Full body liposuction and lip fillers at 18 From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Roland 19 yrs - Alias Lady Gaga From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Olli 19 yrs - recovering anorexia From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank

Hannah 20 yrs - Lip fillers, breast augmentation, botox, body liposuction, rhinoplasty From the project "In My Skin" © Michelle Sank
These images are from a project called In My Skin about young people under 25 in the UK who are challenging their body image. 

I am looking at those who have had or are considering having cosmetic surgery in order to become more acceptable to themselves and achieve their ideal of being “beautiful”.

Social consensus in Western society today is particularly focused on physical beauty and achieving and maintaining the “perfect” face and body.

Intertwined with this I am also documenting body dysmorphia as young people try to conform to this social expectation, resulting in eating disorders and body transformation.

Lastly I am documenting transgenderism and the struggle young people have to live within a body they were born into but have no affiliation with.

— Michelle Sank
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FEATURED ARTICLES:
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Seduction and Power:
Cathedrals and Capitalism

Two spectacular, intertwined sets of photographs by Cyril Porchet form a complex, politically charged series on the subject of image and power throughout history. 

Hiroh Kikai: Asakusa Portraits
No doubt, this the best photobook to be published in 2008. After working in near obscurity for 30 years, Hiroh Kikai has emerged as a modern-day master portrait maker, patiently documenting eccentric people who pass through an old neighborhood in Tokyo that used to be the city's entertainment district. He's in the same league with Diane Arbus and August Sander. Read the book review, plus a great interview with Kikai by Marc Feustel.
Street Kids

The world has an estimated 150 million street children. Many of them fall victim to violence, abuse, and are unable to attend school or learn a trade — here are 40 portraits from five continents.